Hi we have lots of trees bordering our paddock and I dont know what kind they are but thier seeds look something like this:http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thum...aple_seeds.jpg
does anyone have an idea what kind of trees they are and if they are toxic to horses? thanks.

Speed Racer

03-05-2013 06:36 PM

Those are maples. Shouldn't be toxic to horses.

horsecrazygirl13

03-05-2013 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed Racer
(Post 1924085)

Those are maples. Shouldn't be toxic to horses.

Maples? I didnt know that. their leaves dont look like maple, though. (shrugs) well, maybe its a different kind then. thanks for the fast reply seedracer.:-)

Fulford15

03-05-2013 06:41 PM

As long as it's not a Red Maple Tree it should be fine... Red Maple Tree's are very toxic to horses.

Are the seeds more of a beige color all over (with some green tints) or do they have a pinkish hue?

I would be dang sure double checking the leaves to make sure that it wasn't a red maple. If it's a regular maple, though, it's fine.

Speed Racer

03-05-2013 06:51 PM

I was going off the color the OP posted. Red maple seeds have a red tinge to them. Regular maples aren't toxic.

I have a black cherry tree that needs cutting down. I'm getting ready to fence in the area where it's located, and I don't want my horses chewing on the tree or eating the fruit. Black cherry is also highly toxic to horses.

horsecrazygirl13

03-05-2013 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smrobs
(Post 1924117)

Are the seeds more of a beige color all over (with some green tints) or do they have a pinkish hue?

I would be dang sure double checking the leaves to make sure that it wasn't a red maple. If it's a regular maple, though, it's fine.

The seeds are green and then they turn beige. the leaves are sort of "oval" shaped.

Northernstar

03-05-2013 07:05 PM

In the spring, OP, walk the border of your pasture and take a good close look - yes, it's true that the Red Maple and all Cherry trees are very toxic to horses! The toxin is called, Cyanide. Very bad for horses to ingest. Anthocyanin is the pigment that causes them to be red. I probably have similar deciduous trees as you do in my region, and have had to cut down a few for safety's sake! When the leaves appear and you're not certain, don't hesitate to post some photos, and we'll be happy to help! There are lots of easy to follow tree I.D. books at the library as well :)

Northernstar

03-05-2013 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsecrazygirl13
(Post 1924147)

The seeds are green and then they turn beige. the leaves are sort of "oval" shaped.

I'm not sure you're matching the seeds you posted correctly with "oval" shaped leaves - oval shaped, (long oval?) would be beech, chestnut, or cherry (the bark of wild cherry trees looks kind've like "dark potato chips") the photo you posted, however, was definately maple. Nonetheless, the main thing to be cautious of are the Red Maple and all Cherry trees.